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Getting Tested



	It is free to get a COVID-19 test *
	Those wanting a COVID-19 test at a community testing centre in the Northland region will be screened upon arrival to determine which COVID-19 test is most appropriate for them. You may be given a rapid antigen test (RAT) instead, click here for more details. * You may need to pay for a test if it is to enter another country.
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	> Northland Testing Centres > What are the symptoms > Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) & PCR (Viral Nose Swab) Testing > COVID-19 Testing Guidance > Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) Guide

Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and PCR (Viral) Testing

You need to order your COVID-19 test before you turn up to any of our Testing Centres. To do this please call 0800 222 478 and choose option 3 or order online via Request a COVID-19 testing kit website – you will receive an order number which you need to give to the team at the collection site.

If needed, someone else can collect them on your behalf. If you live rurally or have specific accessibility requirements and are unable to get to a Testing Site – call the number above to discuss your options.

When you visit one of our community testing centres in Northland, a staff member will help determine whether you need a COVID-19 test, and if so, which test is most appropriate for you (PCR or RAT).

In the past only PCR nasal swab tests were available. You may be eligible for a PCR test, but most people will be eligible for a rapid antigen test (RAT) instead to take home and do the test yourself.

If you test positive using a RAT you will be considered to have COVID-19 and you do not need to do a PCR test to confirm (unless directed to by health officials).

RATs will be offered to you to take home and self-test if you are:

Experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
A Household contact on days 3 and 7 of the self-isolation pathway
Are required to have a test under a mandatory testing order (e.g. a border or MIQ worker)
A critical worker and have placed an online order for collection

A PCR (viral nose swab) test will be done at the testing centre if you:

Have been told to get a PCR test by a Health Official
Are unable to do a RAT at home

If you do not meet the criteria, please continue to monitor for symptoms and if you are unwell you can and should seek care.

We understand that some people may be feeling anxious at this time, but those who have no symptoms of COVID-19 and do not meet any other criteria do not need to be tested and may be turned away from testing services.

RATs Collection Points

Kaitaia COVID-19 Vaccination & Testing Centre
The Old Warehouse Building, 11 Matthews Avenue, Kaitaia
Kerikeri RAT Collection
570 Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri
Whangārei COVID-19 Community Testing Centre
20 Winger Crescent, Kamo
Dargaville Hospital COVID-19 Community Testing Centre
77 Awakino Road, Dargaville

Record your RATs Test Result in My Covid Record

You can use My Covid Record to report a rapid antigen test (RAT) that you have performed. After you log in, the button to report a RAT can be found at the bottom of the homepage.

You can expect 3 types of results from your RAT.